Why Mokgoro had to go?

By Ramotswedi Rammutla

Who is Bushy Maape ?

Premier Bushy Maape was sworn in by the NW Provincial Legislature on September 07 and take up his seat at the helm of the provincial administration.

Mahikeng: Premier Kaobitsa Abel Bushy Maape (64) is the incumbent for the premier position in the North West province.  Maape is an academic and a former Robben Island prisoner. He holds seniority in the ANC for his antiapartheid struggle credential. He was one of the first six ANC prisoners released from Robben Island following President F.W. de Klerk’s decision to release political prisoners. He has been deployed in the office of the premier as well as other positions in the provincial government. Before his appointment he served as Premier Job Mokgoro’s Economic advisor. He also holds degrees in Psychology, economics, development, management and governance.

Maape has served as chairperson of the ANC’s Kgalagadi region, the director: RDP, chief director: strategic planning and development unit in the Office of the Premier, the Ministerial Advisory Committee of the Department of Provincial and Local Government as well as a member of the Municipal Demarcation Board.

Why Mokgoro had to go?

Mmabatho: Mokgoro’s exit has been in the works for months and tension had already build up between him and the ANC. Provincially he had already been challenged from the day he was appointed premier. He was always seen as a weak and unpopular leader from the onset after having replaced his then boss Supra Mahumapelo in a scenario now playing out in his own replacement.

The ANC had blamed him for the collapse of municipalities in the NW. Rewind to 2018; Mokgoro had inherited a province already marred by allegations of corruption, he was appointed to rescue the situation after the removal of the former premier. Sources have said that he was already starting to raise red flags in addressing his mandate and this was going to cause problems for some in the province who had their hands in the state coffers.

According to the Daily Maverick his allies have likened what had happened to Mokgoro as a “coup d’état” and a “power grab”…they believed that some people wanted to push him out because the party is due to go to a provincial conference by March next year, and people needed resources to campaign. These guys don’t have funds… “They can’t buy the conference, and they can’t steal the conference. The only way they can do this is by taking over the state apparatus.” 

His last push back as premier was the feud he had with Mmolokie Cwaile who he had dismissed recently and replaced with Lenah Miga which was to be his last act as Premier.

Why not any of the candidates?

Johannesburg: According to the ANC Bushy “Maape is reportedly seen as a compromise candidate to appease party factions”.

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“Let me be me” Kefilwe “Ndofaya” Modise

I didn’t have much, but I make sure I make something with what I get

By Ramotswedi Rammuta

Mahikeng: In our Women’s month edition we feature Kefilwe “Ndofaya” Modise well known as the Brand connector a social media influencer revered for her high than life personality that has earned her a reputation in Bokone Bophirima. Born in Mocoseng Village in Mahikeng Ndofaya is Chief Executive Officer of The Brand Connector an advertising and marketing company she started in 2018 specialising in social media marketing and management.

She has helped numerous businesses grow their customer base using her influence online and through promotions. A motivated women and mother of two she continues to build her brand and those of others around her and was set to spread her wings even wider. When asked, what makes her ticks? She replied; “Seeing people around me, people I grew up with progressing that make me tick; makes me want to do more, it says to me, go for it, there’s more.”

Ndofaya was inspired by a friend to start her business; “I was inspired by a young man called Thuto Shuping from Taung, while residing there in 2018. He always told me; “You know what Ndosi, you have this drive for marketing, promoting, and for sales. You are one of those people that can convince a person to buy stones, thinking they are gold; you can get a person to love something he had no interest in. You make me see things from a different perspective.”

In these trying times with a pandemic in the midst many entrepreneurs are de-motivated and Ndofaya seems to be right in her element closing a gap, Her funny videos on Facebook have got local users raving landing her national recognition. She recently featured on a current affairs programme on national news channel Newzroom Afrika where she was talking about youth and entrepreneurship. She says her kids are her greatest motivation in life; “My kids, God blessed me with two beautiful kids, whenever I look at them, I realise that there is more to life. They inspire me to do more. I want what’s best for them, and also for them to learn that life is not all rosy, they need to learn to fend for themselves, learn the hustle of life and not expect anything on a silver platter. They should be a little bit more like me. (As she giggles!!!). I didn’t have much, but I make sure I make something with what I get.”

Ending off woman’s month and starting of her birthday month in September Ndofaya believes that every women has her space in the world and should be allowed to shine and celebrated; “I want people to let me be me, I like to be corrected, I like being advised, I would say I’m a good listener, and I appreciate positive critics. Let’s instil confidence in one another (as women and girls); you know nothing upsets me like a beautiful woman who cannot see her self-worth, who has decided to dim her own light. So I believe together we shine brighter and in our own different ways” concludes Ndofaya.

Motlalepule Rosho sworn-in as caretaker Premier NW

 by Ramotswedi Rammutla

 

North West Executive Council elects Finance MEC Motlalepula Rosho as acting premier.

 

Mahikeng – North West Finance MEC Motlalepula Rosho was on Thursday, August 26 sworn-in as the Acting Premier of North West.

This after the resignation of Professor Job Mokgoro who submitted his resignation to the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature on the same day.

“His resignation was accepted and in line with section 131 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. It was therefore necessary that the Executive Council convenes to designate a member as an Acting Premier” announced the office of the premier.

The North West Executive Council had met earlier and nominated Rosho to act in the pisition.

Mokgoro will however remain a member of the Legislature.

Hlomane Chauke announces the premier elect Bushy Maape at an ANC press conference.

The announced Premier elect by the ANC Bushy Maape was yet to be sworn in as a member of the Legislature.

 

 

Lucky farmers get Bonsmara bulls

By Ramotswedi Rammutla

Bonsmara bulls donated by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to ten (10) young farmers in the North West. Picture Supplied

Mahikeng: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has donated ten bonsmara bulls to recipients in the North West Province through the Livestock Improvement Programme. This was to assist farmers in improving their herds and encourage stud breeding.

“In agriculture we can collectively play a pivotal role in the championing of transformation in the country, and more importantly, in the inclusion of youth into the Agricultural mainstream economy” said MEC Desbo Mohono of the Department.

The department announced that Thato Haraba, Goitseone Magaetsho, Luanda Mzimkhulu Malo, Kehentse Mosimanyane, Olerile Legatho, Orapeleng Gabaya, Galaletsang Mompei, Nami Huma, Thulani Tsholanang and Keorapetse Tlhapi are the recipients of the programme

“We already have heifers from our existing Bonsmaras that have to mate with a different bull and this bull’s breeding values are very much stating to be a heifer, so our need will be greatly met by the donated bull”, said  Kehentse Mosimanyane.

North West could benefit from solar farming as a developing sector

Solar power has economical and environmental benefits.
Picture Supplied.

By Ramotswedi Rammutla

Mahikeng: Solar power has shown that technological development and cultivation of clean energy has both environmental and economical benefits which may contribute to overall food security. The new normal of power cuts and load shedding by Eskom from an on demand power grid continues to reveal opportunities both in solar farming or use of solar power in agriculture in general.

The industry has gained traction with the inclusion of independent power producers to the grid, which opens up the power sector to new entrants and entrepreneur. The Northern Cape remains one of the leaders in the sector, as most of the biggest solar producers are based in that province. The advantages being the higher latitude and temperature variation they have. Eskom has been mandated to add 5.7 GW of solar power to the grid by 2030 to increase the 1.5 GW currently in use in South Africa.

Renewable energy can be used in water pumping, green house heating, grain and crop drying and space heating. These applications of solar energy in farms, have immensely resulted in better and improved farming methods and even farming mechanization. Photovoltaic (PV) pumping system may reduce cost in irrigation needs and water in protected areas as well as communal water schemes and may increase productivity and service delivery to communities in rural areas. The systems offer many benefits and reliability.

The banking sector has also seen the great growth in the industry and is willing to finance solar installations. According to the First National Bank FNB; “Solar power has proven itself as an efficient option for homes across South Africa. But what about solar power as a viable option for your business? And what are the considerations? As a firm believer in the future prospects of solar power for businesses and homes alike, FNB has included energy solutions to their property financing offering, to not only enhance your productivity but increase the value of your property”.

Kathu Solar Park is one of the largest in South Africa and generates 100MW of power. It was build from 2016 and started operating in 2019. The park cost R12 billion. The Jasper Solar Power Project which produces 96MW and is able to power over 80000 homes. They also have a 20 year contract with Eskom.

The investment injections in solar power are high but when completed and operational they have great returns; from parks to single or clustered installations which can be of use to either private sector or public sector stakeholders. Making solar farming one of the future businesses prospects that need action now to generate employment and render needed power capacity to the grid.

The Maftownian June-July 2021 Edition

Over 30 artists taking part at Sekame Road Festival

Graffiti artist Bekz Selalome. Pic by Sosty Rammutla

By Ramotswedi Rammutla

Mahikeng: The Sekame Road Mural Festival which began on April 26 was still continuing the main aim of the event is to introduce art in public spaces around the Capital City of the North West.

One of the female artist putting finishing touches to her artwork. Picture by Sosty Rammutla

The buzz of the festival is reaching fever pitch as artist are gradually completing their art work. The festival now features thirty artists of which 7 are school going children
The project has gained some support from Dulux who will assist with paint so artists can finally complete the art. The festival is based at Lowe and Old Parliament building wall, opposite Montshioa Library. The festival is open to all, and the organisers have extended the call to any artists or individuals who are interested in being part of the project. The project is funded by the National Arts Council and aims to expose local artists to the international market by promoting their work through other international platforms.

Mother-daughter team finishing their message on the wall. Pic by Sosty Rammutla

“The closing event will be called “Colour in Mahikeng” and will have creatives from different mediums showcase their work; whether it will be chefs, clothing designers and obviously artists. The opening ceremony will run from 10:00 to 18:00 at the end of the month” Odirile Majatladi: Director of Seabe Communication Group.

Dieza releases his latest beat tape

Thabiso “Deiza” Makgatho creative director and producer at Boss Flow Empire which he started in 2008 with focus on media and entertainment for rural-urban youth in Bokone Bophirima. He recently released a Beat Tape EP titled “Daizer – Winter pack”. @ Thabiso Makgatho on Facebook.

By Ramotswedi Rammutla

Rustenburg: Moruleng based music producer Thabiso “Deiza” Makgatho has recently release his latest project. The 6 track instrumental EP was released on May 16. The EP is titled “Deiza, Winta Pack”.

“I have not been producing beats for the longest time and at the beginning of the year I thought to comeback mainly because a lot of the artists are generally struggling with quality beats in the North West Province. The other issue being that they are expensive.
I decided to release a free download so artists can use the beats on their albums or mixtape’s” said Makgatho.

Makgatho says because of COVID 19 he had to re invent himself; by looking at his skills and what he can offer, since the pandemic affected most of his normal business.

“I have been making beats for many years now and I love traditional Setswana beats and Hip hop but I’m versatile and I do my own sound so I don’t get restricted on genre while I can just make beautiful music. For me it is all about how I feel at the time and I have found time to revisit that, and I thought why not release a project so artist can get free instrumentals they can use in their albums or mixtapes or as background music while chilling or working. Like I said I produce any thing. Its COVID and people need some music. This EP is a pre release in preparation for a full project later in the year” added Makgatho.

The winta pack is available on https://audiomack.com/thabiso-makgatho-1/album/winta-pack as well as from Daiza directly on WhatsApp @ 0788151430.

JZ gets 15 months jail term from the ConCourt

Should JZ not follow the instruction of the court by Sunday, July 4th the minister of police Beki Cele and his national commissioner of police must within three days ensure that he is taken into custody to start his sentence. Picture by EWN

Mahikeng: Former president Jacob Zuma may be the first former president in South Africa to go to jail since democratic South Africa. He remains one of the most controversial presidents the country has ever had, his tenure is riddled with allegations of corruption. This is what led to the establisment of the Judge Raymond Zondo commission which was set to investigate state capture in his administration. It is because of the commission that he found himself at logger heads with the Constitutional court which has given him five days to hand himself in at the nearest police station. The court has given him 15 months in jail for violating the authority of the court and attacking the dignity of the judiciary.

Should JZ not follow the instruction of the court by Sunday, July 4th the minister of police Beki Cele and his national commissioner of police must within three days ensure that he is taken into custody to start his sentence.

The majority judgment delivered by acting Deputy Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe on Tuesday, June 29 confirmed that this was for Zuma’s defiance and attacks on the court. “It is disturbing that he who twice sought allegiance to the republic, its laws and its constitution has sought to ignore, undermine and in many ways destroy the rule of law altogether,” she said.

“In taking stock of the cumulative effect of these exceptional circumstances, the majority finds that it must grant an order that will vindicate the court’s order and protect and maintain public confidence in the legitimacy of the judiciary. Accordingly the only appropriate sanction is a direct, un-suspended order of imprisonment, because the alternative would be to effectively sentence the legitimacy of the judiciary to inevitable decay,” Khampepe said.

In their judgment they underpin the reasons for such a decision by the court. Khampepe said; “It defies logic to believe that a suspended sentence, which affords Mr Zuma one final opportunity to submit to the authority of the commission, would have any effect other than to prolong his defiance and to signal dangerously that impunity is to be enjoyed by those who defy court orders,”.

After defying the judgment in January 2021 the court again gave him a chance to present what sanctions should be taken against him. He again did not adhere, but rather used the opportunity to attack the court and portray himself as a victim.

“Instead of filing an affidavit as he was directed to do, Mr Zuma addressed a 21-page letter to the chief justice. Unfortunately, but not entirely unexpectedly, Mr Zuma once again squandered an opportunity to respect this country’s legal processes. He again aired his views through inflammatory statements intended to undermine the authority of the constitutional court and to portray himself as a victim. All of this besides being scandalous is totally irrelevant to the question. The sentence is related both to the seriousness of the default and the contumacy of the respondent and the order are influenced by the need to set an example and assert the authority of the court,” added the court.

Life sentence for serial rapist

By Ramotswedi Rammutla

Moretele: The Moretele Regional Court has handed a life sentence with an additional 30 years for multiple counts of rape to Benjamin Bapela. He was sentenced 10 year imprisonment on count two, 15 years on count three, four and five and life imprisonment in respect of all five rape charges. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

According to the National Prosecuting Agency in the North West; “Bapela was convicted for raping Motsatsi Matlou (26) in 2013. Matlou was walking from a tavern in Temba in the early hours of the morning when she met with Bapela who grabbed and pulled her to the nearby bushes and raped her. In 2016, he raped Mmule Mpye (18) in Temba at a tavern in the early hours of the morning. Mpye allegedly went outside to answer her phone when Bapela emerged from behind, throttled her and pulled her to the fence and raped her”.

Bapela had continued with his serial offences through the year 2016 raping an additional 3 victims in his trail of terror. “In a separate incident in 2016 at a place called Suurman, in the early hours of the morning again, Bapela raped Nthabiseng Khoza (21). She was from her boyfriend’s home when Bapela emerged and assaulted her before dragging her into the nearby bushes and raped her. He was also charged for raping Dipuo Matsa (21) who was sleeping in a shack with her two- year-old child when she heard someone in the house. Upon inspection, she met Bapela who threatened her and her child with a knife. He then raped her and fled the scene” added the NPA.

Bapela was relentless as he also attacked a pregnant woman and raped her together with his friend. “Bapela was also convicted of raping a pregnant and asthmatic Lisbeth Mangwedi (22) in 2016 in Sekampaneng. He was allegedly in the company of an unknown man who also allegedly raped Mangwedi. On her way to the clinic, Mangwedi met with the two men who grabbed and throttled her while threatening her with a firearm. They took turns to rape her and fled the scene” continued the evidence presented by the NPA.

The state prosecutor in her argument for the maximum sentence asked the court to consider the impact of the acts by Bapela on the victim’s lives as well as their dignity which was gravely affected.

“The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Advocate Rachel Makhari – Sekhaolelo welcomed the conviction and hailed it a success for the criminal justice system in demonstrating it’s seriousness in dealing with issues of Gender Based Violence and Femicide” added the NPA.